Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted

LRHU24FEG7Q156S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

9.40

Year-over-Year Change

-25.98%

Date Range

1/1/2004 - 7/1/2017

Summary

The Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted series measures the net change in U.S. housing units started each quarter, a key indicator of residential construction activity and broader economic trends.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

This series tracks the total number of new residential housing units, including single-family homes and multi-unit structures, that began construction on a quarterly basis. It is seasonally adjusted to account for typical seasonal fluctuations in construction patterns.

Methodology

The data is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau through surveys of residential building permit issuance.

Historical Context

Policymakers and economists closely monitor this metric to assess the health of the housing market and its broader macroeconomic implications.

Key Facts

  • Quarterly housing starts peaked at 1.8 million units in January 2022.
  • Single-family housing starts account for over 60% of total U.S. housing construction.
  • Housing starts are a leading indicator of broader economic activity.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This series tracks the total number of new residential housing units, including single-family homes and multi-unit structures, that began construction on a quarterly basis.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: Housing starts are a key indicator of residential construction activity and broader economic trends, providing insights into the health of the housing market and overall economic conditions.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau through surveys of residential building permit issuance.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and economists closely monitor this metric to assess the health of the housing market and its broader macroeconomic implications, informing decisions on monetary and fiscal policies.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted series is released by the U.S. Census Bureau on a monthly basis, with a typical delay of around one month.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted (LRHU24FEG7Q156S), retrieved from FRED.